For mothers who are having babies for the first time, the activity of bathing babies is sometimes one of the things that makes you nervous. Some mothers may still be unsure and confused about how to properly bathe a newborn.

This makes most mothers choose to use washcloths to bathe their babies. Indeed, there is nothing wrong with using a washcloth, but actually how to bathe a newborn is not difficult. Let's take a closer look at how to properly bathe a newborn.



Bathing Supplies for Newborns

Before learning how to bathe a newborn, it is important for parents to know what toiletries need to be prepared first. Here are some items for bathing a newborn:

·    A safe, flat surface to place the baby on before and after bathing, such as a bed or a special table for changing baby's clothes.

·       Towels and changing mats.

·       Lukewarm water for bathing the baby.

·       Dipper to drain the water and rinse the baby.

·       Soft cloth or towel to wipe the baby's body.

·       Dry clothes and diapers for changing.

·       Soap-free baby skin cleansing products as a substitute for soap.

 

How Many Times a Day to Bathe Newborns?

It is not recommended for newborns to bathe too often, even if you have implemented the correct method for bathing newborns. The more important thing is when changing a baby's diaper, try to clean his body too.

Babies are not advised to bathe too often because it can make their skin dry and cause discomfort. Bathing the baby three times a week is enough for the first year. However, still clean the baby's body parts every day.

Even so, parents can consider the condition of each baby. If you live in an environment with high temperatures and humidity, then you may need to bathe your baby every day. However, beforehand it is better for you to consult a doctor for more information.

The Right Time to Bathe a Newborn Baby

 

How to bathe a newborn cannot be done arbitrarily, one of the things that needs to be considered is when is the right time to bathe it. First, avoid bathing the baby after drinking breast milk, because the stomach is still full and can make the baby uncomfortable.

If the baby feels uncomfortable, such as a feeling of pressure in the stomach, this condition can make the baby vomit. Therefore, try to choose free time or between meals, for example in the morning before breakfast or in the afternoon when the baby is not sleepy.

 

The Right Way to Bathe a Newborn Baby

Every parent is expected to know how to bathe a newborn properly. Bathing a baby cannot be done carelessly, but there are various things that need to be considered so that the baby feels comfortable.

Before bathing a newborn, make sure the baby's umbilical cord has fallen off by itself, and the wound has dried up. Generally, the umbilical cord in a baby will fall off within 2-3 weeks after birth. If the baby's umbilical cord has not fallen off, it is recommended that you use a washcloth.

 


Here are tips on bathing newborns that you can follow:

1. First, prepare a bathtub filled with warm water with a temperature of around 37 degrees Celsius with a water level of no more than 7 cm.

2. Position the baby lying on a changing mat or towel, then slowly open his clothes.

3. Carry the baby towards the bath, with one hand supporting the baby's head and body and the other hand supporting the baby's bottom.

4. Put the baby into the bath slowly starting from the feet. However, make sure your hand is still supporting the head and back, while the other hand is washing the baby's body.

5. Always make sure the baby's head is above the water level.

6. Clean the baby's whole body starting from the eyelids using a cotton swab dipped in warm water. Use a different cotton for the other eye.

7. Clean the baby's nose, ears and face.

8. When using soap, pour a little, apply it thinly on your skin before rubbing it on the baby's skin.

9. Gently wipe gently to clean the baby's neck, behind the ears, armpits and genitals.

10. Wash the baby's entire body starting from the head slowly with a ladle, then wipe with a clean cloth.

11. When finished, gently lift the baby from the bath.

12. Place the baby on the bed that has been given a towel mat.

13. Dry each side of the baby's body using a soft towel.

 

You don't need to give lotion or oil to newborns. Lotions and oils can be given when the baby is over 1 month old. Plus, you don't need to mix water with soap or anything else, as the best natural cleanser for newborns is clean water.

It's important 

Anda tidak perlu memberikan lotion atau minyak untuk bayi baru lahir. Lotion dan minyak bisa diberikan ketika bayi sudah berusia di atas 1 bulan. Selain itu, Anda tidak perlu mencampurkan air dengan sabun atau bahan apa pun, karena pembersih alami yang paling baik untuk bayi baru lahir adalah air bersih.

 

Hal penting yang perlu diperhatikan lainnya dalam cara memandikan bayi baru lahir adalah jangan pernah meninggalkan bayi sendiri di bak mandi meskipun hanya sebentar. Bayi belum mampu menyeimbangkan tubuhnya sehingga berpotensi tenggelam atau tersedak air.